How to Successfully Cope with a Job Loss

by Caroline Jalango

How prepared are you for an unexpected turn of events? What if the foundation upon which your income was based was suddenly shaken? How would you cope if you lost your Job today?

In these tough economic times, the unemployment rate is high and job scarcity is a common problem. The importance of getting a steady job to guarantee some form of job security cannot be underestimated. Having a regular job is as relieving as drinking a cold glass of water on a hot summer day.

With this in mind, you probably can’t afford to lose your job, because the key word is bills, bills, and more bills! The only way to settle the “bills” issue is to get a job and try to stay hired.

Most people assume, and rightly so, that they can't get laid off or fired. But what if it happens to you?

When you are caught off guard, your coping mechanisms may fail and you may just not know what to do and how to react. But, if you cannot plan for an unexpected job loss, you can definitely equip yourself with tips on how to cope when you have lost your job.

7 Valuable Tips for Surviving a Job Loss Crisis:

1. Don’t panic
When you think about all your bills and the other issues which depend upon your paycheck, it is very easy to panic.

The uncertainty of the future ahead and the possible reality that you may no longer be in control may be very overwhelming. As tempting as it may be, don’t panic because this is the time when you most require a clear mind to focus on the future.

2. Accept your situation.
The sooner you accept your situation the better. Don’t stay in a state of disbelief and denial. Don't allow the bitterness you may be harboring toward your ex-employers to consume your life and precious time. It is not worth. It is just not worth it!

Every case is different but if you intend to sue for wrongful dismissal, consider whether the measure is worth pursuing. Accept your situation as it is and remember that life does not always turn out as we expect. It may be tough but you have to deal with it.

3. De-stress yourself.
Losing a job can be a terribly stressful ordeal. It can cause sleepless nights as you constantly worry about a future over which you may have no control.

The uncertainty ahead may cause an overflow of negative feelings and you may need time to recover from the shock and to clear your head. If necessary, take some time off to think about your next step. Do not make hasty decisions. Talking to a trusted friend or family member about how you feel will always make you feel better.

4. Start a new job search.
The sooner you begin looking for another job the better! As soon as you get the motivation, undertake an aggressive job hunt campaign. Update your resume, do some research on the internet which offers a lot of information about current job listings and allows you to post your resume online, visit employment agencies and let them know about your availability to work and the position that you would be interested in, get the classified section of the newspaper that has job listings, network with people and let them know you are looking for a job. Send out your resume to employers who have job openings that may interest you.

5. Stay positive.
Don’t allow yourself to be engulfed by negative feelings of self-pity, worthlessness, anger, bitterness and etc.

These feelings may rear their ugly heads but keep them in control because they will take away your power and introduce depression in your life. This will accelerate ineffectiveness on your part. Motivate yourself daily by looking on the bright side.

6. Budget your finances.
Now that you don’t have a steady flow of income, consider putting a tighter reign over your finances by making reductions in your expenditures. Keep all the ‘luxuries’ at bay especially if you don’t have any emergency money saved up. This may entail making clear distinctions between what you really need and what you want.

7. Move on.
Hey, it’s not the end of the world. Always remember, “Every exit from somewhere is an entrance somewhere else.” Tom Stoppard.

A bend in the road is not the end of the road unless you fail to make a turn. Do not be afraid to move on and start afresh. This may just be the beginning of something beautiful.

Caroline Jalango is a life coach for unstoppable women who are willing to step up to the plate and take a shot at living exceptional lives wherever they are. www.motivationzone.com